The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-07-28
" A DAISY. F"
An Incident of the Ranch on the
Divide.

Divide.
The ranch was not large, nor particularly
noticeable, as ranches go, but its situation
was splendid. The road from he valley oil
the Platte to that of La Fontaine Qui Bou
lille crossed the Divide, or ridge; and just
overit and sheltered by it from the north
ern winds, were the ranch-house, sheds
and corrals. At the west, one saw the foot
Aills and glimpses OF the great peaks be
hind them; and, not far from the house
Bpened a canyon between whose steep and
verdure-clad walls ran a clear and 4 rapid
stream, chatting in it's restricted channel
and seeming impatient to bestow the largest
of its benefcent and priceless waters upon
the arid plains stretching tar to the east
ward Looking to the south again one saw
the rolling country rising at intervals into
mesas and dotted with scanty groves of
trees.
The sun had passed beyond the range,
above which rose wealth Of clouds OF airy
texture and gorgeous aolors; and the edge
Of-the shadow in which the ranch lay could
be seen creeping steadily over the buffalo
grass toward the eastern horizon. Con-
verging toward the house came parties
from the four points of the compass; and,
awaiting them, and standing On the door
step, looking first in one direction and then
in another, was a quaint and curious youth
full specimen of that alien race which has
had so sorry a reception on our shores, the
Chinese.
His sharp, almond shaped eyes caught a
glimpse of the great flock of sheep the mo-
ment they surinounted the slight elevation
over which he had often seen the sun rise
and, with the two watchful Mexican herd
ers behind them, they came straight to-
ward the water trOughs. These same eyes
saw Uncle Jim Boyle, as he tramped slowly
and deliberately down the sioping side of
the nearest meta at the south, and even
raught the smoke of his pipe rising in the
clear air All Fong knew that Uncle Jim
had promised to sleep at the ranch while its
master was absent and, having profound
respect for the strength and proves of
this redoubtable frOntiersman, he thought
the arrangement excellent. Then he saw
The pretty bit Of color which Fanny Car
rolls dress made against the dark back
ground of the CANYON wall. as sAs climbed
pver the rock at its mouth: and the tassels
Of silver thread on the cord around the
crown OF young Sam Ruxtop's sombrero as
ne assiduously helped her, holding her little
hand perhaps somewhat longer than was
necessary. This made something as near a
mile show itself on All Fong's face as was
ever seen on those emotionless features.
When, however, the Chinese boy again
walked to the rear OF the house and CHANGED
10 look to the northward, he stopped and
gaZed intently at two men who were COM
ing over the ridge. He stood perfectly
still for some time and then, making his
way quietly toward a rude out-building,
concealed himself therein.
Farther and farther crept the line Of
shadow to the eastward nearer and nearer
The ranch came the different parties. At
last the herders shut the bars of the corral
behind the last of the bleat;ng sheep, and,
Ensiinging their canteens. began pumping
Uater for their charges. Uncle Jim Boyle
mounted the steps of the rude piazza with
firm and heavy tread, and the two young
people-she swinging her large straw hat
EY its ribbons, and he walking decorously at
her side-came round the corner of the
she'd
Every body on the Divide took an earnest
Interest in Fanny Carroll. When her
father, old Tom Carroll, up at Georgetown,
made his great strike, and sold out to the
eGger ''tender-feet," there was o general
sentiment OF satisfaction: for Tom had
worked faithfully, and had plenty of hard
luck and was good fellow through it all
When, too, he came into possession of a
solid bank account, he behaved particularly
well; declined to be interviewed" bought
no diamond pins, extended liberal help to
some old ''pards' whose luck had deserted
hem, and, as the boys expressed it, want
stuck up and didn't go back on 'em."
Miss Fanny was sent to an Eastern SEM
mary, whence she had returned as accom-
plished and pretty and refined and vel,
dressed as heart could desire. When she
came down to the Divide TO make a visit at
the ranch, it was unanimously decided by
this population of that region that she ''jpst
eyerlastingly laid over" any thing from the
q. p. down to New Mexico. She was in
deed charming girl by any standard, and,
with her chestnut-brown hair and nahog-
sny-colored eyes, and 1.-THE. slender figure,
would have attracted attention anywhere.
Small wonder, then, that this gracious
young creature soon reigned an uncrowned
queen over many loyal and devoted sub
jects. Now, as she came near to him, old
Uncle Jim's face relaxed, and his eyes took
on q tender expression.
ssBless her heart" said he to himself
<tshe's the pootiest creetur I've seen in
many long year. The young feller's
mashed pooty bad on her. WAL, I've beer
young myself, an know how it is. 1 kind
o. think she can do jest any thing she like
with him. I don't believe thar's a man
Twin tibet could say no to her, let alone Dc
her harm" He dotted his hat, and, with g
curious timidity, took her little hand, prof
fered as she greeted him, in the firm grasr
of his own large and rough one. Then hcI